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Introduction to the Practical Nursing Vocational Certificate (VC) Program

Prepares the students to perform safe nursing care as a practical nurse under the direction of a Registered Nurse or a licensed physician. Entry-level skills are acquired through classroom instruction and supervised experience in the laboratory and hospital. The program completers are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.

Special Admission Requirements

Admission to this program is limited by student/faculty ratios and availability of clinical resources; therefore, students seeking admission to the program must complete application to both the College and the program. All application requirements must be completed before a student will be considered for admission to the practical nursing program. Admission is based on a first qualified, first accepted. Students are required to pass a criminal background check and urine drug screen prior to clinical experiences. Also required are a satisfactory physical examination and immunization forms. Current CPR certification at the Health Care Provider level (American Heart Association) is required for all students who hold an active CNA license and matriculate into the program.

Eligibility for Admission Requirements

Minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average

Minimum score of 65% on each the HESI A² components (reading, vocabulary, and math) in sitting.

Current CPR certification at the Health Care Provider level (American Heart Association) is required for all students who hold an active CNA license and matriculate into the program

Satisfactory urine drug screen and a criminal background check

Students who do not meet progression requirements must withdraw from the Practical Nursing Program and apply for readmission. Requirements for readmission will be discussed with the student at the time of the exit interview by the Director or Assistant Director of Nursing.

Is This For You?

People who enjoy working with people, are cooperative and patient, and like to work in duties that often change will be suited to this career. Persons in this occupation must have social skills and an interest in human relationships.

A PN program applicant should possess the following capabilities:
1. Sufficient physical, motor, sensory, intellectual, emotional, and social/ communication skills to provide safe patient care utilizing a variety of equipment in different healthcare environments. Examples of performance standards for nursing practice are outlined below.
2. Be of sound mind and body to perform the professional duties of a nursing student without becoming injurious to self or others.

Technical

Standards/ Physical

Abilities & Skills

Standard

Examples

Mobility

Physical abilities sufficient to move independently from room to room, walk in hallways, maneuver in small places such as patient rooms, medication rooms.

Walking independently with patients from department to department, around the patient room, down the corridor, from one patient room to another to take care of all patients on a team and to assist in the transport of all patients from bed to bed, bed to chair. Walking, standing, sitting for long periods of time, stooping, lifting patients weighing, squatting, reaching, twisting, bending, pushing, pulling, dragging, climbing.

Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others incoherent and concise oral and written form.

Following spontaneous verbal and/or written instructions. Is able to effectively communicate in English. Must be able to communicate the patient’s response to therapy to other members of the healthcare team, document patient responses to therapy on health care forms utilizing various forms of media, consult with healthcare team members/workers in a professional manner.

Interpersonal

Interpersonal skills sufficient for interaction with patients, families, and groups from diverse backgrounds (cultural, emotional, intellectual) in a variety of healthcare settings

Conversing effectively with patients, families, and groups and in stressful patient care situations such as emergencies.

Critical

Critical thinking sufficient for clinical decision-making

Competent assessing a patient in a timely manner and correctly interpreting assessment. Readily responding with appropriate nursing/medical interventions and treatment plans. Can work in isolation independently for positive patient outcome.

Beyond Graduation . . .

Graduates from the Practical Nursing program are eligible to take the State Board Licensure examination. Graduates may choose to continue their education to obtain the Associate degree in Registered Nursing at Pensacola State College.

Related Career Opportunities

Primary Employers

Graduates from the Practical Nursing program work in hospitals, nursing, and personal care facilities, and offices and clinics of doctors of medicine.

Occupations

Licensed Practical Nurses Care for the sick, injured, convalescing, and handicapped, under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. Most L.P.N.s provide basic bedside care. They take patients’ vital signs, help patients with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, and care for their emotional needs. Some experienced L.P.N.’s supervise nursing assistants and aides. In nursing homes, L.P.N.s may help evaluate residents’ needs, develop care plans, and supervise nursing aides in addition to providing routine bedside care. In doctors’ offices and clinics, including health maintenance organizations, they may also make appointments, keep records, and perform other clerical duties. L.P.N.s who work in home health may also prepare meals and teach family members simple nursing tasks.

Employment Trends

For more information regarding first-year earnings for degree completers and student debt accumulation download or view the Economic Security Report of Employment and Earning Outcomes Click Here, published by the Department of Economic Opportunity.

Pensacola State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and associate degrees and certificates. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation status of Pensacola State College or if there is evidence that appears to support Pensacola State College’s significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard. -- Pensacola State College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender/sex, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information in its educational programs, activities, or employment. For inquiries regarding Title IX and the College’s nondiscrimination policies, contact the Executive Director, Institutional Equity and Student Conduct at (850) 484-1759, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, Florida 32504.